Hey Cuties,
I’m back home from Key West & Miami; I still have unpacking to do and pictures to sort and so we will dish on that later in the week. Instead, I have a story to share with you; one day I’m on social media like always and I come across a dope story about a little boy. When you see stories, they are just that stories. You don’t know the person, and you don’t have a connection to the story; you just read maybe share and you keep it pushing. Well, this time, was different. I knew this kid, I knew his parents and have known them for some time.
In our society people go viral for a lot of things and a lot of times those things aren’t something to be proud of. I’m happy to say this one is a feel good story. You already know September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 
The timing of this story was perfect. Although we only have two more days left in the month, don’t get it twisted, the message will go on.
The tweet that set it off…
This all started with a tweet so it appears. A supportive Auntie tweeted a picture of her nephew’s hair before and post haircut and mentioned that he donated it to kids with cancer. And just like that it went viral. {Note: 62,016 Retweets & 121, 928 Likes}
Some of the articles.
Can you imagine being a ten-year-old and going viral? I bet on instagram, he would have got so many free followers. This story has been shared on NBC Washington, Fox 5 DC, Buzzfeed UK, Twitter Mentions Homepage, Comedian Ricky Smiley and more… There are at least 70 different articles that have been written about Thomas and at least 3 videos. This story has even been featured in other countries.
Thomas (c) 2015 Photo Credit: Angelia Pulos
The real journey started two years ago when Thomas saw a video his Mom was watching of Kyssi Andrews. Kyssi was a little girl battling cancer and her hair had fallen out as a result of her chemo treatment. Thomas thought she was a boy because she didn’t have any hair, and his Mom explained what cancer is and how the treatment affects your body. At that very moment, Thomas decided to grow out his hair for Kyssi and donate it to kids with cancer so they can have beautiful wigs made. Backstory: Kyssi was diagnosed {2012} with a rare cancer called Wilm’s Tumor; a kidney cancer at the age of 3. At the age of 6 Kyssi Andrews {2015} received her wings. During her battle, Kyssi’s mom maintained a Facebook page giving updates. The world was sucked into the life of this adorable little girl fighting for her life as we cheered her on virtually.
Photo Credit: Angelia Pulos
Despite Kyssi’s passing Thomas continued to grow his hair out. Rumor has it he is tender headed and didn’t like to get his hair combed. Braiding his hair up made it easier for him to be the busy 10-year-old boy that he is. I had to ask Thomas and his Mom Angelia about this incredible journey.
Photo Credit: Angelia Pulos
All of that hair was enough for 3 wigs.
Did you ever think your story would go viral? No, I had no idea.
What has the experience been like for you and your family? Well, it’s a lot of interviews and people really like to hear the story. We got to fly to Chicago and meet a lot of people.
What do the kids at school think of this now that you’ve been on the news and you are going to be on a talk show? They think it’s cool. My friends said they saw me on the news and twitter. They didn’t know why I was growing my hair but they said I did a nice thing.
What advice would you give kids that want to give back but don’t think they are big enough to make a difference? Any little thing you can do to help other people is big. Nobody is too small. Everyone can make a difference.
Have you been able to speak to Kyssi’s Mom since your haircut? Yes, and I know my mom talks to her a lot on the phone. She was nice.
This happened 9.28.16, Photo Credit: Angelia Pulos
As the articles began to pop up all over the place Steve Harvey also shared the story and the family flew out to not just meet him, but to be on his show.
How was it meeting Steve Harvey? It was fun, but it was a little bit scary talking in front of a lot of people.
What has been the best part of all of this? Meeting Steve Harvey and getting on a plane
The actual air date for the Steve Harvey feature isn’t known at this time but it will air within the next two weeks.
Thomas and his family on Fox 5 DC. Photo Credit: Angelia Pulos
As a Mom I had to know what his Mom and siblings think of all of this.
Now that the story has gone viral, what are you most proud of? I’m mostly just proud of the fact that he picked up empathy and compassion for other people. He will literally give you the hair off his head and the shirt off his back.
What do you want other kids to take away from Thomas’ act of kindness? I guess that being selfless, and doing for others is such a good feeling. You never know how much your one act of kindness can inspire and move someone else.
What do his siblings {older brother & little sister} think about all of this stardom? His big brother is happy for him. At first, his sister thought everything Thomas wouldn’t do for her was because he was on TV. “Thomas won’t help me wash dishes because he’s on TV…” or “I asked Thomas to help me fold my clothes but since he’s on the TV now he doesn’t like to help anymore” LOL… he’s like, “No! I still don’t want to fold your clothes for you; it has nothing to do with being on TV!” Lol… she really was upset at first, but she’s calmed down with all that drama.
LISTEN!!! I am the classic little sister and I loved every single word of his little sister’s shade. There is nothing like family to remind you of who you really are. hahaha I would so do this to my sister, but I love that she has come around and it proud of her big brother.
You can grow out your hair to make wigs for cancer patients
How can you help? You can donate to St. Jude.
You can donate blood.
Would you grow your hair out, cute and done it for cancer? Chat with me in the comment below or FB, IG or Twitter.
In the midst of everything that’s wrong in our world, it’s refreshing to read about Thomas. What an amazing kid. I have tears in my eyes and goosebumps on my arms. THIS is a feel-good story with a happy ending. So glad this story went viral and that Thomas got to meet Steve Harvey and enjoy a plane ride. Love it!
I know right Alli, I love a story that makes us feel something. I hope his act of kindness catches on.
What a kind and selfless act. With all that’s going on in the world today-he is an inspriation and gives me hope that kindness matters and will continue no matter what!
Yes Kathleen, I so agree with you. This is a vision of hope for sure.
It’s amazing that this little boy grew his hair out and then donated it to kids with cancer. I would definitely grow my hair out for this purpose. It’s so important to give back to those who need help.
Jenn, you are so right. The world has become so selfish it seems. Stories like this restore our faith.
Now this is what I’m talking about! What an awesome thing for this young man to do. Some will truly be blessed by his donation!
Right, he thought of one person and now three will be blessed.
We live near a hospital that treats a lot of childhood cancer patients, so we see a lot of stories to raise awareness for childhood cancer in the news. I love that Thomas did this. How sweet of him!
That is really cool Pam. So sweet of him for sure.
This story cannot be any more moving! It’s really amazing what this young man did. I hope he is able to inspire other kids and teach them about compassion. It’s really sweet of him to do this!
Me too Amanda, sometimes we need a reminder.
If we had more children like him in this world there would be less sadness. We need to teach our kids to give back as this child did. Even if you don’t have any money you can always donate time.
Yes Jeanette, there are so many ways we can give back that don’t cost us a thing.
I have to say that I’m happy his school didn’t make him cut it so he could donate it. With all the news you hear, this does my heart good. I love hearing of children who are so willing to step up and help others in need! Great post!
Thanks Jacqui. He is an example for other kids an us adults.
I saw this on twitter the other day and it warmed my heart! In today’s society people seem to go viral for the dumbest things/reasons so I’m also overjoyed when things go viral for the right reason. What an amazing thing that young man did.
Right Angelic, it is such a feel good story.
What a beautiful act of generosity. His parents are raising him right, and I know the three people that get those wigs will be so grateful.
Right, Rachel. How could you not be proud.
That is super cool! What a fun and easy way to give back. That was some long hair, I bet he feels a bit lighter now?
It really was Sarah, I can’t grow that much hair in two year. He has to feel lighter but he will grow it out again in a year.
That is a amazing commitment for a little boy to undertake. What a giving spirit he must have.
It really is Teresa, I can’t even commit to growing my hair out. Let alone doing it for 2 years, oh and he plans to do it again next year.
The goodness of children! I love him. I love that he found his own unique way to help.
Me too.
What a great act of kindness and it’s very inspiring. He look so handsome with short hair although I like his long hair as well.
He can totally rock both which is nice.
Awww this is such a sweet post. What a great young man to do that. He deserves the attention.
He really does Bonnie.
What a wonderful little boy! So generous and caring. My daughters and I have all grown out and donated our hair for cancer kids. It’s such a great cause and I always love reading stories about other kids who donate too.
Oh Kate that is so awesome. He has joined your elite club of hair givers.
What a kindhearted boy to do this! I’m sure this is the kind of child every one of us hopes to raise! And it certainly doesn’t hurt that his hair is amazingly gorgeous!
Right on both statements Jaime.
This blessed me so much! Children naturally give! We can learn from them.
Right, they come out with pure hearts.
I heard about this story! I am amazed and touched by the innocence and compassion of children.
I love when our children surprise us.
I thought this was so adorably sweet of him. And he has quite a gorgeous mane!
Right Latoya, he is now the standard for hair goals. lol
Knowing how hard it is to have such long hair as a tender headed person, I am taking my hat off for this beautiful young man!
The world needs more people like him. Well done to his family for supporting him through it.
Right, that is a chore by itself.
This was an awesome and selfless action. His parents must be so proud of him
Tomiko, they are so proud of him.
What a blessing this little boy is! So courageous and sweet of him! I shared this story and he had beautiful hair! Bless him!
Awww thanks Kiwi. I’m sure he is thrilled to see the response.
I saw an instagram post last week and my heart smiled! I’m so excited to read the back story on this amazing little boy!! It’s nice to see positivity for a change. Thank you, Mimi!
Thanks Tamika, it is a heart warming story for sure.
I loved seeing his story. Such a wonderful cause. He is so intelligent. His parents are raising him well.
Thanks Elle, these are the type of things we hope our kids do.
WOW, I love this story! you are right lots of things go viral and a lot of time it is negative. This is great i think young children should be exposed to story like Krissi’s. At a young age they have compassion and it teaches them to always be grateful for what they have. He said i need a year off, (lol i understand i don’t have nearly much hair as him but I am tender headed and don’t like getting my hair combed either)
Yes, so full of compassion. I’m a fellow tender head as well.
Wow so beautiful. Such a cute little boy with a big heart…love this story!
Thanks Markita, he totally is.
That’s amazing. He has a great heart. I hope that life doesn’t get to him and change this wonderful, compassionate side of himself.
I hope so too Kim, we have to protect our kids. They are naturally kind.
This is so amazing! Thanks for sharing this story! He will inspire others to the same!
I hope so Rika, he certainly has me thinking about what I can do to help more.